(TAMPA, FL, 7/24/2024) – The Florida Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-FL), today denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress on July 24. This speech serves as a reminder of the dangerous rhetoric from a leader who has repeatedly demonstrated a blatant disregard for human rights and international law.
SEE: Israel’s Netanyahu addresses joint session of Congress
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled last week that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful and should come to an end “as rapidly as possible.” In addition, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is expected to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant within weeks.
Roughly half of House and Senate Democrats skipped Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, according to an Axios headcount.
SEE: Around half of Congress’ Democrats skip Netanyahu speech
By allowing Netanyahu to address Congress, American political leaders are aligning themselves with a known war criminal and signaling their continued support for policies that perpetuate violence and injustice. This speech serves to further inflame tensions in the region.
After the outrageous remarks Netanyahu made to our Congressional body, his presence is expected in Florida to visit former President Donald Trump today, Friday, July 26. War criminal Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in Florida, and should not have been allowed in our capitol to address Congress.
In a statement, CAIR Florida’s Policy Manager, Mari Marks, said:
“To have Biden and Trump embrace Netanyahu in the United States is a slap in the face to international law and the United Nations Charter. Our country has descended down a hole so deep and so depraved, I fear we will not recover for generations.
Marks added: “As human beings in Gaza are chased by IDF like a game of Pac-Man and torn to shreds, a war criminal is getting a standing ovation from the US government charged with upholding the law. Clearly law and order does not apply to ALL Americans. The Prime Minister should have been arrested the moment his plane touched down.“
Tens of thousands are gathered on Capitol Hill to protest the far-right Israeli government’s slaughter of almost 40,000 people, mostly women and children, in Gaza, and its destruction of much of the civilian infrastructure in a campaign of ethnic cleansing, forced starvation, and genocide. On Wednesday, Nihad Awad, national executive director of CAIR National, spoke at the Washington, D.C., protest against war criminal Netanyahu’s address to Congress.
WATCH: CAIR Director Nihad Awad Tells DC Capitol Hill Rally that Netanyahu is a War Criminal (C-SPAN Video)
As an organization committed to justice and human rights, CAIR Florida calls on all Americans to reject this dangerous and unethical rhetoric. We urge our leaders to hold Netanyahu accountable for his actions and to prioritize peace and justice in the Middle East.
About CAIR-Florida
CAIR-Florida is the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, foster dialogue, safeguard civil liberties for all, empower American Muslims, and form coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR-Florida es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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CONTACT: Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, CAIR-FL Media and Outreach Director, Ph. (305) 502-6749, E: [email protected]